President Rodrigo Duterte appealed to Filipinos to avoid leaving the comfort of their homes this holiday season to protect themselves and their loved ones from the threat of COVID-19.
In his address on Wednesday night, the President lamented the lack of physical distancing as shoppers flock to public markets.
“Sabihin mo bakit walang katapusan? Tignan mo naman ang tao,” Duterte said. “Tignan mo sa TV, fini-feature nila ang tao sa Divisoria napakarami.“
“‘Wag muna ngayon. There will always be a time,” he added
“Kalma muna. Tutal marami pa namang Pasko eh.“
Authorities and experts have been urging the public to do their holiday shopping online instead of leaving the house. The government has also repeatedly discouraged people from joining or organizing social gatherings amid the Christmas season.
